Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

What causes my light globes to blow all the time??

At me house, i cant keep up with the F@#king light globes blowing!!

i reckon 1 a fortnight. they dont blow because of being left on and getting hot, they seem to go when you turn them on.

i have tried all different brands and Wattages (is that a word?)

i am now in the process of replacing them (as they blow) with those energy saver flouro thingies. and (touch wood) none of them have blown yet.

any ideas on what would cause it? a surge or something?

high voltage supply probably... u know anyone with a multimeter?

Sometimes its just the way the lights are wired into the circuit, We used to have lights in the one circuit. Everytime one globe dyed it used to suddenly load the next one in the circuit. Obviously we'd replace the blown light globe, but a week or so later the other one would blow, causing the next one in the circuit to be loaded. Hence we went around in a continues circuit.

We eventually went to long life, low energy globes, and never blew any again.

Cheap light globes could also be a problem.

I had this problem once and i got the power company to come and check the quality of supply to the meter, they checked the actual lines to the house and found the fuse at the power pole was slightly corroded and replaced it, no more brown outs, computers reseting or blown globes. That wont cost you (I think) but anything after the meter it will as that becomes the owners responsibility AFAIK.(depending on state reg's and power company)
If you have corroded fuse contacts this could do the same but unlikely, how old is the house and do you own it?

Anyway, I hope that helps.

BTW, if you are unsure of what you are doing get an electrician

if you need someone with a multimeter i can lend you one or come over and test your outlets if you want mate.

But like has been mentioned before, sounds like there may be a bit too much current coming through your mains. Most electrical devices can deal with a bit extra voltage and amperage, but your run of the mill light globes arent so tolerant and their life will be shortened the more voltage they get.

If you were closer Wattie I'd come have a look mate. But I'd check your actual voltage. Nominal voltage in Aus is now 230 Volts, no longer 240 although it shouldn't make much of a difference. The compact fluro's you've installed are the go mate. Lots cheaper and they are actually brighter once they get going. Only problem is the 1 sec delay when you flick the switch

the house only about 10 years old, i own it. (well im paying it off)

might start poking at time stuff with a fork... use my bummultimeter.

my bumdyno's pretty acurate, surely it can measure voltage too

FFS Wattie, whatever you do, don't use your bum as a multimeter!!!!! It's not calibrated for that sort of work and it may get blown out.



Everyone knows you use the tip of your tongue to test voltage

Mick C wrote:FFS Wattie, whatever you do, don't use your bum as a multimeter!!!!! It's not calibrated for that sort of work and it may get blown out.



Everyone knows you use the tip of your tongue to test voltage

cant thonk you enough Mick! you just saved my life!! i was just about to calibrate my bum at work. will try now with my tongue

Perfect example is Gos's bum. When it decides to speak, it sounds like it's been blown out.

MrWasabi wrote:if you need someone with a multimeter i can lend you one or come over and test your outlets if you want mate.

But like has been mentioned before, sounds like there may be a bit too much current coming through your mains. Most electrical devices can deal with a bit extra voltage and amperage, but your run of the mill light globes arent so tolerant and their life will be shortened the more voltage they get.

Btw, it won't be too much current coming through his mains. It'll be voltage related

Benno wrote:

MrWasabi wrote:if you need someone with a multimeter i can lend you one or come over and test your outlets if you want mate.

But like has been mentioned before, sounds like there may be a bit too much current coming through your mains. Most electrical devices can deal with a bit extra voltage and amperage, but your run of the mill light globes arent so tolerant and their life will be shortened the more voltage they get.

Btw, it won't be too much current coming through his mains. It'll be voltage related

heheh i didnt event see that, i cant believe i passed my certification lol

G'day PJ Man - are you home on Monday ? Its my RDO. I'll check your volts ( with the proper gear - NOT my tongue ) and fuses. Cheers, Ron.
Btw - incandescent light bulbs are no longer made in Oz - and the imports are shit. Go for the compact fluoro's.

Not only that, but very shortly, they'll be BANNED from actually importing incandescent globes. So globes as you know it will be no more!

hmmmm monday night yes normally around 4-5pm.